CLUB HISTORY
The GDSTC is known for conformation and has always been fortunate to have outstanding Scottish Terrier breeders in the area. Their quality stock has received widespread recognition for obedience, temperament, companionship and conformation to the breed standard.
Below is an article that appeared in the Summer Issue—August, 1975 STCA magazine, The Bagpiper.
THE GREATER DALLAS S.T.C.
By Sue Powers, Vice-President, Dorothy Burchfield, President
The Greater Dallas S.T.C. was born in the minds of three Charter Members, but not simultaneously. Gladys Justus first conceived the idea of forming an organization, but it was not until Shirlee Glenn purchased a Scottie puppy from Dorothy Burchfield that a search was begun for other Scottie owners in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area. Mrs. Justus was contacted, offered her information and services, and in October of 1969 the organization was born.
A committee was selected to get started on the Constitution and By-Laws. The second meeting was on November 4, 1959, at which time a name was selected. Charter membership was left open until December 31st in order to contact more people that owned Scottish Terriers.
Mrs. Dorothy Burchfield was elected President and Mrs. Shirlee Glenn as Treasurer.
Sixty-four Charter Members paid their dues in 1969, not realizing what the future of the Club held. It took little time to find out.
Meetings were schedule on the lst Tuesday of each month in the downtown area, where a series of informative sessions have been held on such subjects as poisonous plants, skin diseases, hand stripping, obedience and owners handling. Speakers have included veterinarians, club members, newspaper columnists, dog groomers, dog breeders, and local organization representatives.
Films have also played a large part in the learning process—favorites were a feature on Ch. Bardene Bingo, Montgomery County Specialty and the STCA Specialty in California.
The Club’s first fun match was held in Feb. 1970. Several other fun matches and "B" matches have followed. The Club’s immediate goal is to obtain approval for an "A" match, until now delayed partly because of lack of entries.
The Club has a breed booth at the Texas Kennel Club Show held annually each Spring in Dallas.
The Club had a breed both at the Texas Kennel Club Show held annually each Spring in Dallas.
There is informative literature and brochures available concerning the Breed, along with helpful, and knowledgeable Members staffing the booth to talk and answer questions by visitors.
In March, 1973, the Dallas Times Herald offered a trophy for the booth selected most outstanding by judges from several organizations of the City, not connected with any dog club. The winner’s Trophy, a Silver Bow, would be engraved and become the permanent possession the club selected for this honor. At each TKC Show in the future a similar trophy will be awarded. The Greater Dallas S.T.C. chalked up another "first" - winning the First Trophy by the Dallas Times Herald.
One of the most unusual claims to fame was the Independence Day Celebration and Terrier Competition. The show was open to all the terrier breeds and offered prizes for such classes as
American Kid and Dog (cutest child with dog)
Benjamin Franklin (fattest dog)
Abe Lincoln (skinniest dog)
Paul Revere (race-master with dog on leash)
Best Independence Day speech (barking)
Miss Firecracker (prettiest female)
Yankee Doodle Dandy ( moist handsome male)
Most Patriotic (best 4th of July costume)
Star Spangled Terrier Talent (best trick)
Highlight of the 1973 Show was a Bull Terrier that caught a goldfish from a bowl of water.
A series of Presidents have done more than their share to make this Club known in this area across the United States. Dorothy Burchifeld (Oct. 1969 thru 1971), Shirlee Glenn (1972), Harry Sebel, Jr. (1973), Joan Moore (1974), Dorothy Burchfield (1975). They have been backed by a nucleus of Members who are working to better the breed in this area.
A unique feature of the Club is the annual "gripe session" held each October, when Members are encouraged to offer constructive criticism concerning Club activities and future plans for growth.
One of the Club’s Ways & Means projects are their "Hand-made Items which include: Note pads with original drawings by Gladys Justus; pillows with furry Scotties; Christmas cards with drawings of Scotties; Plaid capes; personalized Christmas stockings for your favorite Scottie; Scottie-shaped cutting boards/house signs; Plaid and solid grooming aprons; and on special occasions we have solid-chocolate Scotties, made from an antique mold.
The Club’s Logo was drawn by Laurie, the daughter of Jerry & Gladys Justus, and is on Club Decals, Patches, Newsletter and stationery. It has been Copyrighted.
Meetings are now alternated between Dallas and Ft. Worth.
All owners of Scottish Terriers in this area are invited to attend the meetings.Thanks to The Bagpiper for the opportunity to let us tell you about THE GREATER DALLAS SCOTTISH TERRIER CLUB.
The Bagpiper is the official publication of the Scottish Terrier Club of America (STCA).
http://clubs.akc.org/stca/bagpiper.htm
Last Update: 5/30/08